SHAH ALAM, Aug 26 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has urged Malaysians to use this year’s National Day celebrations to reinforce national unity by looking past racial, religious, and political divides.
His Royal Highness made the call after officiating a flag-raising ceremony at Dataran Selangor on Wednesday. The event marked the start of the official flag-flying period, running until September 17 in conjunction with Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day..
The Sultan had earlier consented to the Jalur Gemilang being hoisted at the Selangor State Flagpole throughout the commemorative period.
“Although we differ in race, religion, language, political ideology and background, the Jalur Gemilang reminds us that we remain citizens of the same nation,” the Sultan said.
“This flag belongs to all of us. We must be proud because it is a symbol of national unity.”
The Sultan stressed that the spirit of Merdeka must go beyond ceremonial pageantry, calling on citizens to honour those who have dedicated their lives to bridging communal divides.
He also highlighted the importance of nurturing the younger generation with mutual respect and appreciation for diverse cultures, races, and faiths.
Directing his message to political leaders, the Sultan delivered a pointed reminder that national leaders shoulder a vital duty in safeguarding unity.
“Leaders and politicians must set an example by practising moderation, tolerance and compassion, and must not use political, racial or religious differences as a reason to divide the people,” he said.
The Sultan observed that while hoisting thousands of flags across the country during the independence month is straightforward, the true test lies in cultivating a nation where every Malaysian genuinely feels respected, valued, and proud of their citizenship.
He said that the Jalur Gemilang draws no distinction between ethnic communities, whether Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan-Dusun, Iban, or others, nor does it discriminate across religious traditions including Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism.
“Independence is not merely something to be celebrated, and the flag is not merely something to be flown,” the Sultan said.
“Their true value lies in our collective ability to defend a nation whose people can live together in peace, mutual respect and unity.”
